parenting

noun

par·​ent·​ing ˈper-ən-tiŋ How to pronounce parenting (audio)
Synonyms of parentingnext
1
: the raising of a child by its parents
2
: the act or process of becoming a parent
3
: the taking care of someone in the manner of a parent

Synonyms of parenting

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Examples of parenting in a Sentence

They share the responsibilities of parenting. as the big day approaches, the expectant couple are starting to get worried about their fitness for parenting
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Extra credit The store calendar is packed with CPR classes, story times, music sessions, book clubs, and parenting workshops. — Kelly Aiglon, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 Conflicting parenting philosophies may also strain family relationships, as adult children and grandparents sometimes disagree over how children should be raised, according to Blake. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Effective co-parenting, prioritizing the child's well-being, and maintaining consistency between households are crucial for adjustment. — Patricia Fersch, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Before their split, Davidson spoke with PEOPLE about how fatherhood changed him and praised Hewitt’s parenting. — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parenting

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of parenting was in 1918

Phrases Containing parenting

Browse Nearby Words

parenticide
parenting
parent-in-law
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Cite this Entry

“Parenting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parenting. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

parenting

noun
par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ How to pronounce parenting (audio)
ˈper-
: the raising of a child by its parents

Medical Definition

parenting

noun
par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ, ˈper- How to pronounce parenting (audio)
: the raising of a child by its parents

More from Merriam-Webster on parenting

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parenting

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